Criminal Law: A Problem-Based Approach

Problem-Based Learning is a way of learning that presents a practical problem scenario in the context of which learning is conducted. Normally students are taught law through the transmission of information about legal principles and not presented with problems until they have accumulated enough information to solve them. In PBL, discussion and analysis of the problem starts the process of learning, rather than acting as an end point. As a curriculum concept, it is becoming increasingly common in law schools as the use of problem scenarios helps to trigger awareness of legal issues and to engage interest by highlighting the real-world ramifications.

This new textbook creates a fresh approach to learning criminal law through the use of realistic scenarios. This helps both to engage the student and make the complexities of the subject more accessible as well as illustrating to students how criminal law actually operates in the real world. With Criminal Law: A Problem-Based Approach, context is placed at the heart of learning. By conducting learning through application rather than via an abstract set of rules, the book promotes a deeper understanding of how the law works, not just what it is.

Unlike other textbooks, Criminal Law: A Problem-Based Approach integrates a thorough exposition of the law with practice, facilitating a more active learning approach and helping students to engage directly with the essential legal principles to develop key skills of analysis, problem-solving and application. Written in a clear and concise style but without sacrificing detail or analysis, the book guides the reader towards a deeper understanding of the criminal law curriculum.